"I guess someone has seen fit to place me among some of the most influential people in the baseball profession that have made a significant contribution in the state of Texas," Hunsicker said. "It's a great honor, a very humbling one when you look at all the great chapters that have been written for our sport and for our state."

The Astros have won four NL Central Division titles in Hunsicker's seven years as general manager, building one of the premier player development and scouting departments in the game.

Baseball's Executive of the Year in 1998, Hunsicker is a major reason the Astros were named Organization of the Year in 2001 by Baseball Weekly, Baseball America, Topps and SportsTicker.

Richard, who was 20-15 in 1976, starred for the Astros from 1971 until his career was cut short by a stroke in 1980. He compiled a 107-71 career record with a 3.15 ERA, winning 18 or more games four straight seasons (1976-79).

"I was one of the lucky people to see J.R. at the top of his game," Hunsicker said. "It's an honor to be inducted with him. He was the most dominating pitcher I've seen in my lifetime."